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Cheesy crockpot baked ziti with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella
Isaac blogger

Crockpot Baked Ziti (Easy Slow Cooker Pasta)

This crockpot baked ziti is a simple, comforting slow-cooked pasta layered with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and optional ground meat. Everything cooks gently in the slow cooker so the pasta becomes tender and the cheese melts into a creamy, hearty dinner with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories:
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Sauce Layers
  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta uncooked
  • 24 oz marinara sauce high-quality or homemade
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional, cooked and drained
  • 1 small onion diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
  • Ricotta Mixture
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella from the 2 cups total
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan from the ½ cup total
  • Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • For Finishing
  • Fresh basil chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your slow cooker and ingredients as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Cook the Meat (If Using)
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat. If using onions or garlic, sauté them with the meat during the last few minutes.
  5. Prepare the Ricotta Layer
  6. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, salt, pepper, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan until combined.
  7. Layer the Crockpot
  8. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert.
  9. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  10. Add half of the uncooked pasta.
  11. Add half of the cooked meat (if using).
  12. Add half of the ricotta mixture in spoonfuls.
  13. Pour about 1 cup of sauce over the layers.
  14. Sprinkle a portion of mozzarella on top.
  15. Repeat Layers
  16. Add remaining uncooked pasta, remaining meat, remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of sauce. Do not pack down tightly.
  17. Top With Cheese
  18. Pour the remaining marinara over the top.
  19. Add the final 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
  20. Cook on LOW or HIGH
  21. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until pasta is tender and sauce is bubbling gently.
  22. Cooking time may vary depending on slow cooker size and pasta brand.
  23. Rest Before Serving
  24. Turn off heat and let the ziti rest uncovered for about 10–15 minutes so layers set. Add fresh basil if desired.
  25. Cooking Notes
  26. Prep takes about 20 minutes, followed by 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker model and the amount of ingredients used. The eggs in the ricotta mixture cook fully as the dish slowly heats and gently bubbles, allowing the filling to set safely and evenly. For best texture, avoid stirring during cooking and allow the baked ziti to rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes after cooking so the layers can firm up before serving.